Media device payments remote control personalization and protection

ABSTRACT

A server is operable to receive a media device identifying number (ID) and to create an established association between the media device with a payment account and to support at least one of payment authorization and payment clearing based at least in part on the media device ID and the payment account. The server is further operable to produce the payment account information to a smart card personalization service server to facilitate creation of a smart card with the payment account information that is associated with the media device. The server is also operable to produce the media device ID to the smart card personalization service server to facilitate creation of a smart card with the payment account information based in part on the media device ID.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationswhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for allpurposes:

-   -   1. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/991,146, entitled        “IPTV Payments Remote Control Personalization,” (Attorney Docket        No. P-14352PRV), filed Nov. 29, 2007, pending.    -   2. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/012,378, entitled        “IPTV Payments Remote Control Personalization and Protection,”        (Attorney Docket No. P-14352PRV1), filed Dec. 7, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems, devices and method thatfacilitate electronic commerce transactions.

2. Description of Related Art

Consumers, product and service merchants, purchasing and sales agents,suppliers, manufacturers, credit card and debit card companies and bankshave all seen process improvements including improved payment processesdue to advances in electronic commerce technology. Buyers can now finddesired products through Internet searches and can purchase goods andservices through secure online channels. Transactions may be processedalmost instantly leading to faster delivery of the purchased item, mediacontent, or service.

One aspect of such transactions is the common concern of theft ofpayment account information. Accordingly, e-commerce systems typicallyinclude, when the user chooses to make a purchase, the establishment ofan encrypted tunnel between the merchant and the customer so thatpayment account information may be transmitted safely. Typically, asecure page is provided to the customer to prompt the customer to entera payment account number and other required account information. Amerchant server then validates the account information as a part ofcompleting the transaction. Thereafter, a purchase confirmation isgenerated in one of a variety of formats to the customer.

In addition to the advances in e-commerce, the Internet is also changingthe way that television is being watched. As Internet storage capacityand throughput have increased, and user terminal memory and dataprocessing technology has advanced, media servers now deliver streamingvideo at a data rate that provides resolution and quality comparable tobroadcast/cable/satellite television. Media servers now transmitstreaming video having content similar to that provided by priortelevision services.

Along similar lines, Internet Protocol television boxes have beendeveloped that support the display of streamed media and other datareceived over the Internet on a television. Accordingly, the manner inwhich television and other media content are delivered may undergo adramatic change and may even result in a decoupling of programscheduling and viewer enjoyment. Moreover, the interactive nature ofpersonal computers and other Internet Protocol based systems may allowfor more interaction between a user and the media and advertisementsviewed on a display device.

As is known, advertisements displayed on a computer terminal includetags that are used to track user interest and to give credit to aparticular web page provider for generating a positive response to theadvertisement. While television advertisements are unidirectionalbroadcasts and provide no direct feedback that allows a merchant ortelevision broadcaster to determine consumer interest, Internet basedadvertisements are interactive as associated scripts are operable toindicate whether a user selected an advertisement for closer review andeven whether the user purchased a product in response to theadvertisement using the e-commerce transaction technology mentionedbefore. E-commerce and its payment processes, however, are currentlysetup to only support transactions that result from shopping activitiesin a physical or virtual store that often result from the unidirectionalbroadcast advertisements and web-based product and service searches.

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram that illustrates a payment cardauthorization process that can support a typical e-commerce transactionaccording to the prior art. As may be seen, a cardholder initiallypresents a payment card to a merchant. Specifically, the card ispresented to a point of sale terminal or, as described previously, theaccount information is presented to the terminal through secured dataentry over the Internet. Thereafter, the merchant produces card andpayment information to an acquirer server. An acquirer is a payment cardassociation member that initiates and maintains relationships withmerchants that accept payment cards. Thereafter, the acquirer serverproduces an authorization request to a payment card company for review.The payment card company then sends the authorization request for reviewto the appropriate payment card issuer. The payment card issuer thenissues an approval or denial that is propagated back to the merchant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram that illustrates a payment cardauthorization process that can support a typical e-commerce transactionaccording to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a system 10 that illustrates aprocess flow for a system to implement a “buy it now” feature accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a system for establishing anestablished association between a media device and a payment accountaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a payment card company serverthat is operable to receive and process an application for a paymentaccount that is to be associated with a media device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a network operable forestablishing and supporting electronic transactions according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a computer network operable tosupport payment authorization processing according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a payment account according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a computer system thatillustrates a process for creating an established association between apayment account and a media device according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a computer system that includesa payment card company server and a financial institution issuer serverthat jointly support creating an established association between apayment account and a media device according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a computer system that includesa payment card company server operable to support creating anestablished association between a payment account and a media deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a computer network thatincludes a payment card company server operable to support creating anestablished association between a payment account and a media deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12-15 are flow charts that illustrate method steps for a paymentaccount according to a plurality of embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a system 10 that illustrates oneembodiment of a process flow for a system to implement a “buy it now”feature. The “buy it now” feature supported by the systems, networks,devices and methods of the various embodiments of the invention allow auser to initiate a purchase of an advertised item by interaction with amedia device that has an established association with a payment accountwithout requiring the user to manually enter necessary payment accountinformation. Merely pressing the “buy it now” button triggers anauthorization and subsequent settlement process based upon storedpayment account information that is associated with the media device.The media device may be a cable television set top box, a satellitetelevision set top box, an IP television (IPTV) set top box, a personalor laptop computer, or an IP game box capable playing interactive gamesover the Internet. Any device such as an IPTV set top box, IP game boxor other device operable to receive media over the Internet is includedin references to IP media devices (IPMDs, media devices).

To achieve this functionality, devices, systems, networks, and/orassociated method steps generally support a process to generate apayment account that has an established association with a specificmedia device. References herein to a media device are references to anytype of device that can communicate over an IP network, a public networkincluding the Internet, cable TV, satellite TV networks, and other typesof networks that support data communications. The payment accounts maybe card based in the form of a plastic bank card, a smart card, adedicated SIM card, or may be in an electronic format and not require aphysical form factor (i.e., electronically stored and encrypted accountinformation). Additionally, while the embodiments shown typically referto a hardware media device it should be understood that a software basedmodule that operates with generic hardware (for example, a personalcomputer) may serve as the media device described that supportsoperation described in relation to at least one of the embodiments ofthe invention.

Generally, the system and processes described with reference to FIG. 2illustrate a process that with which a set top box or other media devicesupports a purchase transaction using a “buy it now” operation, e.g.,button selection, wherein the purchase transaction is made by anauthorized media device.

More specifically, the system 10 includes a media device 14 thatcommunicates over a wireless communication link with remote control 18(though a remote control is not required). Media device 14 is operablycoupled to receive streaming media content from a media server 22 and toprovide content interaction indications to media server 22. For example,the content interaction indications may include activation of a “buy itnow” feature (generically, a “purchase selection”) for products,services and media advertised within the media content.

Media device 14 may be coupled to receive the media content over acomputer network, a data packet network, a cable network, a satellitenetwork, or a traditional broadcast television network. Media device 14may also receive, simultaneously or separately, media via a plurality oftransmission channels. For example, media server 22 may receivebroadcast television programming over a cable network cable connectionor as a wireless broadcast transmission received via an antenna. Themedia server 22 may convert the received broadcast transmissionprogramming to a packet format for delivery to media device 14 via adata packet network or a computer network. In addition, media server 22may deliver media received from other media sources to media device 14over the data packet network or the computer network.

Media server 22 produces advertising and other purchase options(collectively “advertisement”) with a tag number 26 to media device 14for display upon an associated monitor or display. A purchase selectionby the user by interaction with remote control 18 in response to anadvertisement results in media device 14 generating a purchase selectionmessage 30 that includes tag number 26 identifying a specificadvertisement or media source. In the described embodiment, remotecontrol 18 includes a dedicated button, the so called “buy it now”button that, when depressed, prompts remote control 18 to transmitsignals to further prompt media device 14 to transmit message 30 as apurchase selection indication.

Payment account information is stored by a smart card 34 that isinserted or installed into a receiving port 38 of media device 14. Thepayment account information includes traditional payment card data suchas track 1, track 2, track 3, magnetic stripe equivalent data (MSD), orpayment data conforming to the Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV)specifications or identifying information of a traditional payment cardmagnetic strip. As is known by one of average skill in the art, atraditional payment card magnetic strip includes a plurality of tracksof data, while smart card based payment cards may additionally includeMSD or EMV data. One particular prior art format includes three trackswherein the data on tracks 1 and 2 is formatted by most cards in aconsistent manner to improve global readability while track 3 data hasnot been implemented in such a constant format. Here, tracks are notused as such data is stored in memory. The type of data from the commonformats for track 1 and track 2, however, are exemplary of the datastored within smart card 34.

The types of data stored by smart card 34 may include the magneticstripe equivalent data of Track 1 and Track 2 (MSD) or a payment accountnumber, account or card expiration date, usage limits including purchaseamounts or totals, a permanent ID of an authorized device that has anestablished association with the payment account, issuer ID, paymentaccount processor ID, and personal identification number. Additionally,in one embodiment, a user mailing address and a user billing address isincluded. The payment account processor is a company that processespayment account transactions. Historically, such processing has been onthe behalf of payment card issuer companies such as banks and otherfinancial institutions.

Accordingly, media device 14 is operable to retrieve the accountinformation from smart card 34 and to produce the payment accountinformation within message 30. Generally, a form factor and associatedinterface of smart card 34 and port 38 may include any known topology orstructure. Moreover, while the described embodiment includes the mediadevice 14 having port 38 to receive smart card 34 with the paymentaccount information, it should be understood that an alternateembodiment includes remote control 18 having a port to receive the smartcard 34. As with the media device 14, a port within remote control 18may also be of any known topology or structure.

In an alternate embodiment in which a payment account is not associatedwith a physical form factor such as a plastic credit card or SIM card, apayment account secured software module may be installed into the mediadevice to support the “buy it now” feature. In such case, the mediadevice 14 or remote control 18 may be uniquely identified to support the“buy it now” feature.

The media device 14 includes an identifying number that is a permanentidentification number of the media device 14. For example, the mediadevice 14 identifying number may be a serial number assigned to mediadevice 14. One aspect of this identifying number is that the number isnon-modifiable. In an alternate embodiment in which a media devicecomprises a software based module (for example, one installed in apersonal computer), the media device identifying number is anon-modifiable identification number associated with the software basedmedia device.

In response to receiving message 30, media server 22 transmits message42 to a payment card management server 46. Message 42, which operates asa purchase selection indication, includes the media device ID, tagnumber 26, and the payment account information. Message 42 may be thesame as message 30 or may be different but based upon message 30.Message 42 may include additional information such as a shipping addressassociated with the payment account. Payment card management server 46then determines a corresponding merchant e-commerce server 50 based uponthe tag number and transmits an order 54 to merchant e-commerce server50. Merchant e-commerce server 50 then engages in payment authorizationand settlement communications 58 with a financial payment network 62 tocomplete the transaction.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a system 80 that illustrates aprocess for creating an established association between an authorizedmedia device and a payment account according to one embodiment of theinvention. The figures and corresponding text are directed to a mediadevice that is capable of receiving data and communicating over at leastone of a plurality of network types. In one specific embodiment, mediadevice 14 (as described here in FIG. 3) is an IP media device (IPMD).Alternatively, the media device may be an IP television (IPTV) set topbox. Additionally, in the described embodiment of FIG. 3, the paymentaccount is associated with a smart card 34 produced in the form of asmart card. Generally, a process of system 80 supported according to anembodiment of the present invention is one that establishes anassociation between a user payment account and an authorized mediadevice, such as media device 14. After such association is made, an IPMDwherein purchase selection messages may only be made for the specifieduser account by the authorized media device 14.

The process begins with a user generating an application 84 for a newpayment account and producing the application 84 to a payment cardprocessor 88. Payment card processor 88 is, for example, a credit cardcompany that processes credit cards for issuer companies such as banksand other financial institutions or for the bank itself. In general,references herein to “payment card processor” are references to paymentcard processing entities or companies. The user may utilize a web basedinteractive program or may physically deliver a paper application to thepayment card processor 88, which then produces processed application 92in an electronic form to bank 96 for processing. Processed application92 is based on application 84.

While the example of FIG. 3 illustrates the user providing theapplication directly to payment card processor 88, it should beunderstood that the user may also deliver the application to any otherentity that subsequently provides the application to the payment cardprocessor 88 including bank 96 and an IPMD service provider.Accordingly, payment card processor 88 generates a processed application92 to bank 96. Bank 96 then approves or denies processed application 92.

Upon approving processed application 92, bank 96 generates an approval100 to payment card processor 88. Bank 96 also generates a smart cardrequest 104 to payment card personalization service 108. Upon receivingapproval 100, payment card processor 88 generates a new usernotification 112 to IPMD service provider 116. In an alternate approach,bank 96 generates and transmits new user notification 112 to IPMDservice provider 116 after bank 96 approves processed application 92.IPMD service provider 116 then transmits an IPMD order 120 to IPMDdistribution center 124. IPMD distribution center 124 then ships an IPMDto the user. Finally, during this process, payment card personalizationservice 108 ships smart card 34 for insertion into port 38 of IPMD 14.In the embodiment in which the IPMD comprises an IPTV set top box, forexample, IPMD distribution center 124 sends the IPTV set top box to theuser.

In one embodiment of the invention, smart card 34 includes a serialnumber or other identification number of media device 14. This serialnumber is a non-modifiable number and is hardware based. Accordingly,subsequent purchase orders can only be approved if the ID number storedon the smart card and the ID of the media device match when a purchaseselection is made by an authorized media device in one embodiment of theinvention. The process includes media server service provider 116producing the hardware ID number to either bank 96 or payment cardprocessor 88 for delivery to payment card personalization service 108.In general, the ID of the authorized media device must match the ID of amedia device that generates a purchase selection message for an accounthaving an established association with the media device before apurchase approval can be generated.

Payment card personalization service 108 is, in one embodiment, anelement of a network operable to generate personalized smart cards thatinclude account information as well as encryption keys and otherinformation to support the creation of secure smart cards. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,011 to Lee et al. provides details of one smart cardpersonalization system which, as shown in FIG. 1 of Lee et al., includeselements at the issuer location as well as elements at a“personalization location.”

The methods and apparatus of the embodiments of the invention areapplicable to Internet based media devices that operably couple to anassociated media server from which media content or associated productsor services may be purchased over a public network. For example, theconcepts herein are applicable to game systems such as the Sony Wii™,Gamecube™, and XBOX™ and other similar systems. Generally, though, mediacontent and advertisements for products and services are produced to adisplay device to allow a user to make purchases associated with themedia content and advertisements merely by pressing the so called “buyit now” button on a remote control, a dedicated button on the system, ora so called “soft button” of a graphic display. A display for displayingmedia with advertising may comprise any known display device includingtelevision sets, traditional monitors, LCD displays, or projectors.These displays may be separate or integrated into the media device. Forexample, the display may be an LCD screen of an audio player such as anMP3 player. Many such systems include an ability to communicate over anIP network though the ability to communicate over an IP network is notrequired. Generally, the embodiments include any system that is operableto deliver media to the user device and to receive a purchase indicationfrom the user device through the same or a different network while apurchase transaction is pending.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a device 130 that is operable toreceive and process an application for a payment account that is to beassociated with media device 14 according to one embodiment of theinvention. Device 130 includes an input/output module 132 operable toreceive user inputs from a keyboard, mouse and other user input devicesand further to generate display signals and/or audio signals for displayon a display device and for playing sound through a speaker system,respectively, to create a user interface with device 130. As such,device 130 is operable to receive an application directly from a user inaddition to receiving the application over the Internet. A processingmodule 134 is operable to communicate with input/output module 132 andto process incoming signals based upon user input and upon signalsreceived over the Internet. Memory 130 is operable to store computerinstructions and data.

The processing module 134 may be a single processing device or aplurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/oroperational instructions. The processing module may have an associatedmemory and/or memory element, which may be a single memory device, aplurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the processingmodule. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random accessmemory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamicmemory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that storesdigital information.

Note that when the processing module 134 implements one or more of itsfunctions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that,the memory element stores, and the processing module executes, hardcoded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some ofthe steps and/or functions illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and in the Figuresthat follow FIG. 4.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, processing module 134 of device 130 isoperable to retrieve computer instructions from memory 136 whichinstructions define operational logic of device 130 including logic forperforming the method steps of at least one embodiment of the inventiondescribed herein this specification. For example, the logic defined bythe computer instructions support application processing for paymentaccounts that will be associated with a media device. Finally,processing module 134 is operable to engage in wireless and wiredcommunications through various data packet networks and wirelesscommunication networks via network communication module 138 to supportthe various method steps described herein.

More specifically, processing module 134 is operable to communicate withthe input/output module 132, network communication module 138, andmemory 136 to execute the computer instructions stored within memory136. Based upon at least one of the stored data in memory 136, thereceived data from network communication module 138, and the user dataentry received from input/output module 132, processing module 134 isoperable to receive and process an application for a media deviceassociated payment account, transmit an approved application indication,and support or establish an established association between the paymentaccount and media device 14.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a network operable forestablishing and supporting electronic transactions according to oneembodiment of the invention. Network 140 generally comprises financialnetwork devices that interact with media service provider devices,merchant devices and user media devices having an ability to establishand subsequently support a purchase selection. More specifically, thenetwork elements or devices of network 140 are operable to initiallysupport creation of personalized payment cards and to subsequentlysupport electronic transactions using the payment cards. In at least oneembodiment, the payment cards are smart cards have a form factor similarto subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in that they may be receivedby SIM card reader to communicate with a computer or other device thathas a port or interface to communicate through a SIM card reader withthe smart card. In one particular embodiment, through not required, thesmart card is formed as an actual SIM card.

Here, the payment card, with associated payment account track 1-3 typedata, as well as other information, may be encrypted and protected bythe smart card. In one embodiment, the data is partially encrypted toallow access to certain types of data while protecting other types ofinformation. Examples of payment data which may be fully protected,partially protected or not protected all according to implementationinclude payment account number, expiration date, usage limits includingpurchase amounts or totals, a permanent ID of an authorized device thathas an established association with the payment account, issuer ID,payment account processor ID, and personal identification number. Oneaspect of network 140 is that network 140 is operable to support anapplication and account creation process that results in a paymentaccount having an established association with a specified user mediadevice from which a user may initiate purchase transactions using thepayment account.

Network 140 includes a media server device 142, a user media device 144,a media advertisement response processor 146, and a media based merchantdevice 148 that are all coupled to communicate through one or morepublic networks 150. Media server device 142 is operable to providemedia content and tagged advertisements to user media device 144.

Media server device 142 can be, for example, a device that deliversmedia by way of wireless communication channels and/or wired networks.The wireless networks can comprise the wireless cellular networks,satellite based wireless networks, or even public wireless local areanetworks and wireless wide area networks. The wired networks can be anyknown technology including cable networks for delivering so calledbroadcast television programming content, the public switched telephonenetworks, or computer and data networks such as Internet Protocolnetworks. According to implementation, these various types of networkscan be used either for delivery of media content, delivery ofcommunication messages that support an electronic transaction, or both.For example, one type of network may be used for delivering the mediacontent while another is used to conduct purchase relatedcommunications. Alternatively, one type of network may be used for both.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, network 140 includes an acquiring entitydevice 152 of a payment card acquirer company that is operable tocommunicate with media based merchant device 148 over public network 150as well as with a payment account processor entity device 154 or 156 ofa payment account processor company by way of a proprietary network 158.Acquiring entity device 152 includes a mapping of user payment accountswith transaction processing entities such credit card processingcompanies.

A proprietary interface 160 is utilized to enable acquiring entitydevice 152 to communicate through proprietary network 158. An issuerdevice 162 also is coupled to communicate through both the publicnetwork 150 and through proprietary network 158 by way of interface 164.Similarly, a payment card personalization service device 166 is coupledto communicate through both the public network 150 and throughproprietary network 158 by way of interface 168. Finally, as shown, eachtransaction processor entity device 154 is operable to communicate withone or more databases that include payment account information and apermanent ID of a module or media device from which authorized purchasetransactions may be initiated.

In operation, media server device 142 is operable to produce media witha tag number for identifying items or services that may be purchased bya user. Accordingly, user media device 144 is operable to receive andplay the media content for advertisements or advertised items. Mediadevice 144 is also operable to produce purchase selection indications tomedia server device 142 with the advertisement tag number to identifythe advertisement that corresponds to the purchase selectionindications. In an alternate embodiment, the purchase selectionindications are produced to media advertisement response processor 146.Here, a first type of public network delivers media to user media device144 and a second type of network delivers user media device responses tomedia server device 142 or to media advertisement response processor146. A public network 150 is used for delivery of the media contentthough a private network may be used instead.

Once either device 142 or 146 receives a purchase selection indication,device 142 or 146 is operable to forward the purchase selectionindication to merchant device 148 over public network 150. Merchantdevice 148 is then operable to generate and provide a purchaseauthorization request to acquiring entity device 152. Acquiring entitydevice 152 then forwards the purchase authorization request to atransaction processor entity device 154 by way of proprietary network158. The transaction processing entity device then performs severalauthorization processing steps including evaluating account standing andverifying that all authorization associated data appears to be properaccording to implemented guidelines. Transaction processor entity device154 then forwards the authorization request to a payment account issuerdevice 162. Payment account issuer device then makes a finalauthorization decision to approve or deny the authorization request.

User media device 144 is operable to provide payment account informationand an ID of user media device 144 along with the purchase selectionindication. Accordingly, at least one of the media server device 142,the media advertisement response processor 146, the acquiring entitydevice 152 and the issuer device 162 is operable to compare the usermedia device ID to the payment account information as a part ofdetermining whether to approve (or forward) the authorization request.

Media server device 142 is operably disposed to communicate throughpublic network 150 with merchant device 148 that is identified by thetag number of an advertisement. Merchant device 148 is further coupledto communicate over public network 150 with acquiring entity device 152to initiate transaction approval and settlement processing. Generally,acquiring entity device 152 is operable to receive the authorizationrequest for a purchase transaction and to communicate with at least onedevice in a financial network through a proprietary interface and/ornetwork to request and receive a purchase authorization approval.

An additional aspect of the operation of network 140 is that any ofdevices 142, 148, 154 and 162 is operable to provide account applicationinformation including at least a portion of an account number directlyor indirectly to payment card personalization service device 166.Payment card personalization service device 166 is operable to receivethe permanent ID of user media device 144 to embed the permanent IDwithin the data stored within the payment card. For example, the ID maybe stored in an encrypted form in a smart card along with other accountinformation to create an established association between the account andthe user media device 144.

In an alternate embodiment, an established association between theaccount and the user media device may be created through an initialcommunication. Here, devices 154 and 162 are operable to establish acommon encryption key with one of user media device 144 or smart card 34installed within user media device 144 to generate an encryption key forprotecting data in purchase transactions initiated by the (authorized)user media device. This encryption key is then used to protect at leasta portion of the account information. Accordingly, the encrypted portionof the account information will only be properly decrypted if anauthorized ID is provided as a part of a purchase selection since theprovided ID will be used to select an encryption key for a receivedauthorization request. In general, a user media device ID is transmittedas a part of or in association with a purchase selection and, if the IDis one that has an established association with the payment accountidentified in the transaction and/or account data, then the transactionmay be approved or forwarded to a different device for approval.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a computer network 170 operableto support payment authorization processing according to one embodimentof the invention. A plurality of media based merchant devices 172-174are each operable to generate and provide transaction and/or accountdata and to transmit such data through a public network 176 to anacquiring entity device 178. Acquiring entity device 178 is thenoperable to provide the transaction and/or account data to an in-bandprocessing entity device 180 or to an out of band transaction processingentity device 182. Here, in-band processing entity device 180 is furtheroperable to provide the transaction and/or account data to an issuerdevice 184.

The transaction and/or account data is transmitted as a part of anauthorization request for approval of a pending purchase selection. Thetransaction and/or account data includes an ID of a user media devicethat generated the purchase selection request. The acquiring entitydevice 178 comprises a plurality of processing modules including, in thedescribed embodiment, a prepaid account processing module, a creditaccount processing module, and a group account processing module.

Based upon the transaction and/or account data, a corresponding moduleof the modules of device 178 process the transaction and/or account datato determine which processing entity device should receive thetransaction and/or account data. For example, for a credit account orgroup account, an in-band processing entity such as entity 180 may bethe device to which the transaction and/or account data should betransmitted. Similarly, for a prepaid account, the prepaid accountprocessing module may determine that an out-of-band transactionprocessing entity such as entity 182 should receive the transactionand/or account data. Generally, FIG. 6 illustrates that a singleacquiring entity device may interact with a plurality of merchantdevices 172-174 as well as a plurality of processing entity devices180-182.

Any one of acquiring entity device 178, in-band transaction processingentity device 180, out-of-band transaction processing entity device 182,or issuer device 184 is operable to determine if the permanent ID of themedia device that transmitted the purchase selection indication is onethat corresponds to and is authorized to initiate purchase selectionsfor the payment account identified by the payment account information.Such a determination may be made based upon an established associationbetween the payment account and the device ID in a plurality ofdescribed approaches.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a payment card according to oneembodiment of the invention. Payment card 34 is a smart card andincludes a plurality of magnetic stripe equivalent (MSD) data blocksincluding track account data blocks 190-192, an encryption data block194 and a media device ID data block 196. Any or all of the MSD datablocks 190-196 may be encrypted or may include encrypted data. The“track account” data (i.e., magnetic stripe equivalent data) of blocks190-192 is merely the type of data that has historically gone into socalled track 1, track 2, or track 3 of a magnetic strip of a paymentcard. Here, two track account data blocks are provided in which oneincludes encrypted data and one includes unencrypted data though thepayment card may including additional account data blocks. Encryptiondata block 194 includes an encryption key for encrypting data and/or forencrypted communications between the smart card (payment card 34) andanother device such as a processing entity device 180 or issuer device184. In one embodiment, a smart card personalization service creates aunique derived key from a master key that is stored within encryptiondata block 194. If the master key is altered in a subsequent process,the new derived key may be created and stored within encryption datablock 194. Media device ID block 196 includes a media device ID that wasreceived by the smart card personalization service for associating witha payment account.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a computer system 200 thatperforms an exemplary process for creating an established associationbetween a payment account and a media device according to one embodimentof the invention. Referring now to FIG. 8, payment card company serversystem 204 is operable to communicate with a user 208 to receive apayment account application that is to be associated with media device14. For exemplary purposes, user 208 is coupled to and communicates withpayment card processor server 220 through a secure IP tunnel 212 over adata packet network such as the Internet 216. Alternatively, user 208may enter such application using a keyboard, mouse, and display coupledto payment card processor server 220 or to financial institution issuerserver 224.

Secure IP tunnel 212 is an encrypted communication that is transmittedthrough wired and/or wireless communication paths within one or moredata packet networks such as the Internet. Any known technology forsecuring data packet transmissions through wired and wirelesscommunication links may be included. Hereinafter, all references tosecure IP tunnels and/or secure communication channels should beunderstood to refer to encrypted and protected communication through atleast one of a wired or wireless network and may include encryptedtransmissions through known data packet networks such as Internet 216.Moreover, in the embodiments that follow, it should be understood thatat least a portion of the payment account related data is encryptedwhether or not shown or described in relation to the figures in additionto encryption of communications between devices.

Payment card company server system 204 includes at least one of apayment card processor server 220 and a financial institution issuerserver 224. Generally, the various embodiments of network 200 and, morespecifically, payment card company server system 204 may include asingle payment card processor server 220, a single financial institutionissuer server 224, or both. In an embodiment that comprises both,payment card processor server 220 communicates with financialinstitution issuer server 224 over a secure IP tunnel.

In system in which payment card company server system 204 includes onlyone server 220 or 224, either server 220 or 224 performs the same basictasks of receiving and approving applications and supporting thecreation of a smart card based payment account that is to have anestablished association with a media device 14. Thus, it may be seenthat either a payment card processor company, for example, Visa, Inc.,or a financial institution, may perform all of payment accountapplication processing that has historically been performed jointly byboth institutions. Accordingly, in the various embodiments of theinvention, a system 200 may comprise one processor server 220, oneissuer server 224, or both to support the creation of a payment accountthat is to have an established association with a media device 14 as anauthorized media device. Payment card processing server system 204therefore reflects any of these embodiments. Generally, supporting thecreation of a smart card based payment account includes any of the stepsor transmission of any of the messages described herein for system 204or for servers 220-224.

Payment card processing server system 204 is therefore operable togenerate an approved indication to a smart card personalization serviceserver 228 over a secure IP tunnel 232 after the application has beenapproved. Each smart card personalization server such as smart cardpersonalization server 228 is similar to payment card personalizationservice 108 of FIG. 3 in that server 228 may represent but one elementof a system that supports smart card creation and personalization. Theapproved indication includes customer payment account information thatis to be embedded within a smart card 34 generated by smart cardpersonalization service server 228.

Payment card processing server system 204 is also operable to transmit amedia device new user account indication to a media device serviceprovider server 202 over a secure IP tunnel 206 through a data packetnetwork or other public network such as the Internet. Media serverservice provider server 202 is then operable to transmit an order tomedia server distribution center server 210 over secure IP tunnel 214.In response, media server distribution center server 210 prompts themailing or delivery of a media device to user 208. Additionally, in oneembodiment, media server distribution center server 210 is operable toproduce the media device identifying number for the media device beingsent to user 208 to one of payment card processing network 218 oversecure IP tunnel 222 or to payment card company server system 204 by wayof secure IP tunnel 226. This identifying number is transmitted tosupport subsequent payment authorization and settlement processes thatevaluate a media device user payment account in relation to the mediadevice identifying number and, more generally, to support the creationof an established association between media device 14 and the paymentaccount for user 208.

If the media device identifying number is produced to payment cardprocessing server system 204 by server 210 and not to PCP network 218,in an alternate embodiment, then payment card processing system serversystem 204 is operable to distribute the media device identifying numberto PCP network 218 as necessary to support payment authorization andsettlement processes. For example, payment card processing system server204 is operable to transmit the media device identifying number and atleast a portion of the associated media device payment accountinformation to at least one of a transaction authorization networkserver to support the authorization of transactions based in part uponthe media device identifying number and/or to a settlement processingnetwork server to support the settlement of transactions based in partupon the media device identifying number.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a computer system 250 thatincludes a payment card processor server 258 and a financial institutionissuer server 266 that jointly support creating an establishedassociation between a payment account and a media device according toone embodiment of the invention. A user 208 provides a media devicepayment account application 254 to payment card processor server 258 fora payment account for use in association with a media device such asmedia device 14 of the prior figures. The application may be providedthrough manual entry or in an electronic form, through a computernetwork or Internet connection as described in relation to FIGS. 3-5 and7-8. Payment card processor server 258 then generates message 262 whichincludes processed media device payment account application to financialinstitution server 256.

Processed media device payment account application 262 is based upon themedia device payment account application 254 and may include additionalinformation such as an application reference number or other applicationidentifying information. The information is provided in a defined formatto enable financial institution issuer server 266 to receive and furtherprocess the application. A flexible extended markup language typeprotocol may be used, for example, for the defined format.

Financial institution issuer server 266 then generates message 270 whichincludes an approved media device payment account application indicationto payment card processor server 258. This indication in message 270 maybe based upon a user input. For example, a credit or loan officer of thefinancial institution may approve the application and enter suchapproval to allow financial institution issuer server 266 to transmitmessage 270. Alternatively, logic executed by financial institutionissuer server 266 allows, at least in some conditions, for approval ofthe media device payment account processed application of message 262.

The approved media device payment account application indication inmessage 270 specifically includes the application reference number oridentification information. Additionally, financial institution sever266 also generates message 274 which includes the approved media devicepayment account application indication to smart card personalizationservice server 278 to facilitate creation of a smart card based usersmart card payment account. The approved media device payment accountapplication indication of message 274 includes a user 208 mailingaddress as well as additional user 208 payment account information toallow smart card personalization service server 278 to prompt a mailingof a generated smart card with the user 208 payment account informationto user 208.

Payment card processor server 258 generates message 282 which includes amedia device payment account new user indication to media server serviceprovider server 286. Media server service provider server 286 thengenerates media device order in a message 290 to media devicedistribution center server 294. Media device distribution center server294, in response to receiving message 290, initiates a delivery ormailing of a media device 14 to user 208. Additionally, in oneembodiment, media device distribution center server 294 then producesmessage 298 which includes media device payment account information andthe media device ID to authorization and settlement network elements ordevices of authorization and settlement network 304. The authorizationand settlement network 304 is similar to and may include one or more ofthe financial network elements or devices of FIG. 5 to support, asnecessary, the established association between payment accounts andmedia devices. Media device distribution center server 294 is alsooperable to provide the media device ID in message 302 to payment cardprocessor server 258 to allow payment card processor server 258 to takeone or more subsequent steps to create the established associationbetween the media device based on the media device ID received inmessage 302 with the user 208 payment account.

Payment card processor server 258, for example, may subsequentlytransmit message 298, in an embodiment in which server 294 does notgenerate message 298, to authorization and settlement network elementsof authorization and settlement network 304. Additionally, payment cardprocessor server 258 is operable to produce the media device ID in amessage 306 to smart card personalization service server 278 to enablesmart card personalization service server 278 to include the mediadevice ID of message 306 within the user 208 payment account informationto support creating the established association between the paymentaccount and media device 14. Message 306 may include additionalinformation to enable smart card personalization service server 278 toassociate the media device ID to the correct payment account.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a computer system 310 thatincludes a payment card company server 314 operable to support creatingan established association between a payment account and a media deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In general, referencesherein to “payment Card Company” are intended to relate to companiesthat serve in the role of a payment card processing company such as acredit card processing company, or to a payment card issuer such as abank or other financial institution, or to a combination of an issuerand a processing company. Accordingly, a payment card company serversuch as server 314 is one that is capable of performing functionality ofany issuer server and/or any payment card processor server andrepresents one or more servers.

Returning to FIG. 10, a user 208 provides a media device payment accountapplication 254 to payment card company server 314 for a payment accountfor use in association with a media device such as media device 14.Payment card company server 314 is operable to support approval of themedia device payment account application and then to generate message274. Message 274 includes an approved application indication and istransmitted to smart card personalization service server 278 tofacilitate creation of a smart card that includes payment accountinformation.

The approved application indication of message 274 includes a user 208mailing address as well as additional user 208 payment accountinformation. This allows smart card personalization service server 278to prompt a mailing of a generated smart card with the user 208 paymentaccount information to user 208. This indication of message 274 may bebased upon a user input wherein, for example, an approval of theapplication by a credit or loan officer of the financial institution.Alternatively, the indication of message 274 may be based upon logicexecuted by a payment card company server that allows, at least in someconditions, for approval of an application based upon the data providedwithin a media device payment account application.

Payment card company server 314 also generates message 282 whichincludes a media device payment account new user indication to mediaserver service provider server 286. Media server service provider server286 then generates media device order in message 290 to media devicedistribution center server 294. Media device distribution center server294 then initiates a delivery or mailing of a media device 14 to user208. Additionally, in one embodiment, media device distribution centerserver 294 then produces media device payment account information and amedia device ID in message 298 to authorization and settlement networkelements of authorization and settlement network 304. Media devicedistribution center server 294 is also operable to optionally providethe media device ID in message 302 to payment card company server 314.Payment card company server 314 is operable to then take one or moresubsequent steps to create an established association between the mediadevice and the user 208 payment account.

Payment card company server 314, for example, may subsequently transmitpayment account information and the media device ID in message 298 toauthorization and settlement network elements of authorization andsettlement network 304 in place of server 294 sending message 298.Additionally, payment card company server 314 may produce the mediadevice ID in message 306 to smart card personalization service 278. Thisenables smart card personalization service server 278 to include themedia device ID received in message 306 within the user 208 paymentaccount information to support approval and settlement processes thatare based upon both user account information and an ID of a media deviceserver 14. Message 306 includes the media device ID in message 302 andmay also include additional information to enable smart cardpersonalization service server 278 to associate the media device ID tothe correct payment account.

The operation performed in relation to FIG. 10 and its descriptionherein may be modified, for example, by substituting payment cardcompany server 314 with a financial institution issuer server 266, forexample, wherein financial institution issuer server 266 performs all ofthe steps and message transmissions described for payment card companyserver 314. Here, the financial institution server operates as paymentcard company server 314. Accordingly, for such an embodiment, anyreference to payment card company server 314 includes financialinstitution issuer server 266.

In current processes, the roles of the payment card processor companyand financial institution are distinct and thus a process as illustratedin relation to FIG. 9 may be implemented. If payment card processorcompanies and financial institutions expand their roles to overlap withtasks traditionally performed by the other, then an embodiment of theinvention similar to that described here in FIG. 10 could be realized.The payment card company server may be a part of a network or system ofany entity that enters the space of issuing payment cards as well as thecredit or monetary balances to facilitate the settlement process forapproved purchases.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a computer system 350 thatincludes a payment card company server operable to support creating anestablished association between a payment account and a media deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention. A user 354 provides amedia device payment account application 358 to media device serversystem 362 for a payment account for use in association with a mediadevice such as media device 14. As may be seen, media device serversystem 362 may include both a media server and a media devicedistribution center server. The functionality of these two servers mayreadily be rearranged or distributed across a different number ofservers or may even be combined into one server. Each such embodiment isrepresented by media device server system 362. Each of the describedembodiments may be similarly modified.

Media device server system 362 is operable to generate a media devicepayment account processed application 360 in an electronic form topayment card company server 370. As before, payment card company server370 is a server that is in operable, among other tasks, to initiate apayment card and account generation process. Moreover, payment cardcompany server 370 can comprise any of the embodiments of payment cardcompany server system 204 of FIG. 8. Stated differently, server 370 maycomprise a single module similar to server 314 of FIG. 10 or a pluralityof modules similar to servers 258 and 266 of FIG. 9.

Payment card company server 370 is then operable to generate message 374which includes a media device approved application indication to smartcard personalization service server 378 to facilitate creation of asmart card for a payment account. The media device payment accountapproved application indication of message 374 includes a user 354mailing address as well as additional user 354 payment accountinformation

Payment card company server 370 generates message 382 which includesmedia device payment account information to media device server system362. The media device payment account information of message 382 maycomprise an indication that the account is approved. Message 382comprises at least some of the payment account information to allowmedia device server system 362 to perform an initial authorization for auser selected charge using the “pay it now” feature describedpreviously. Generally, references to transmitting payment accountinformation include transmitting any portion of the payment accountinformation including all of the payment account information that isstored within or received by a device.

Additionally, in one embodiment, media device server system 362 thenproduces message 386 which includes media device payment account and themedia device ID to authorization and settlement network elements ofauthorization and settlement network 304. Media device server system 362is also operable to provide message 390 which includes the media deviceID to payment card company server 370 to allow payment card companyserver 370 to take one or more subsequent steps to create theestablished association between the media device ID 390 (and thereforethe associated media device) and the user 354 payment account. In oneembodiment, media device server system 362 is further operable toprovide message 390 which includes the media device ID directly to smartcard personalization server 378 to enable the generation of smart cardshaving not only payment account information, but also the media deviceID.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for a payment accountaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The method initiallyincludes receiving and processing an application for a media deviceassociated payment account (step 400). Thereafter, the method includestransmitting an approved application indication to a remote server toinitiate a payment card generation process (step 404). Additionally, themethod also includes taking one or more steps supporting an establishedassociation between the payment account and the media device (step 408).

The method also includes, in one embodiment, receiving the applicationand generating the processed application to a financial institutionserver and subsequently receiving an approved indication from thefinancial institution server (step 412). Finally, the method includesdetermining and transmitting a media device identification number (ID)and at least a portion of the media device associated payment accountinformation to at least one device or element of a transactionauthorization and settlement network to support the authorization oftransactions based in part upon the media device ID (step 416).

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for a payment accountaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The method steps of FIG.13 include, receiving the payment account application, and generating anapproved application indication to a smart card personalization serviceserver (step 420). After the account is approved, the method furtherincludes transmitting a media device new user account indication to amedia device service provider server (step 424). The method alsoincludes receiving a media device identifying number (step 428).Thereafter, the method includes transmitting the media deviceidentifying number to the smart card issuing server to support anestablished association with the payment account (step 432). The mediadevice identifying number is an unalterable identifying number such as aserial number of a hardware device or software module.

The method includes an optional step of communicating with the mediadevice or a smart card installed in the media device to receive themedia device identifying number (step 436). A secure connection isestablished with either the media device or with the smart cardinstalled in the media device to enable the payment card processingserver to receive the media device ID directly from the media device orthe smart card installed in the media device. This step may furtherinclude determining an encryption key for data, especially paymentaccount information that is to be transmitted by the media device with apurchase selection indication.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for a payment accountaccording to an alternate embodiment of the invention. The methodinitially includes receiving a media device identifying number (step450). The media device number may be received by way of an Internetconnection with a remote user terminal through a communication module ofthe server, an input/output module of the server receiving user entries,and a communication link with the media device.

Thereafter, the method includes transmitting the media deviceidentifying number to at least one financial network device to supportcreating an established association between the media device and thepayment account (step 454). The method further transmitting the mediadevice identifying number to a smart card personalization service serverto support creating an established association between the media deviceand the payment account (step 458). The method also optionally includestransmitting the media device identifying number to an issuer server tosupport creating an established association between the media device andthe payment account (step 462). Finally, one embodiment includesengaging in communications to determine an encryption key thatcorresponds to the established association between the media device andthe payment account (step 466). More specifically, the encryption is forencryption a portion of data that is to be transmitted by an authorizedmedia device having the established association with the paymentaccount.

In one specific embodiment of the invention, the three secure methodsfor “personalizing” the remote control, an I/O device and a media device(for example, an IPTV set top box) with user payment account relateddata are provided. Generally, the three secure methods for personalizingthe media device include pre-issuance personalization, personalizationduring installation, and post-issuance personalization. Pre-issuancepersonalization includes personalizing the media device with userpayment account information or data prior to either the payment card(e.g., a smart card) or the media device being shipped or delivered tothe customer. Personalization during installation is a process whereinthe device is personalized during the installation phase of the mediadevice. Finally, post-issuance personalization is a process wherein anew card number is entered post installation or a card number ischanged, added, or deleted post installation.

All three methods may require a payment card or account activationprocess prior to use of the payment functionality on the device.Activation will take place via traditional financial institution methodssuch as activation by phone, IVR or online activation. In all threepersonalization scenarios, the media device is assumed to contain asecure module, such as a smart card, tamper resistant module or secureaccess module (SAM). The device is also assumed to have the necessaryslots or ports to insert a smart card or SAM. The secure module may holdan asymmetric key pair with a public key certificate and one or morediversified symmetric keys. In all personalization scenarios actualpersonalization data may be replaced with a message digest generated bya secure hash algorithm. The actual data can be reconstituted andverification of the message digest may be substituted in lieu oftransmission or storage or the actual data.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for personalizing asmart card for a media device according to one embodiment of theinvention. In the two personalization scenarios described above whereinpersonalization occurs during installation or post delivery of eitherthe media device or the smart card, a method is required for completingthe setup for a media device that is to have an established associationwith a user payment account. The method includes creating a user paymentaccount (step 470). The user payment account is one that is to be usedfor purchases made through the media device.

The method includes subsequently establishing a secure communicationlink for securely carrying data between a financial network server and asmart card module installed within the media device (step 474). Thefinancial network server may be a server such as a financial institutionserver or a payment card processor server. The server and the mediadevice (or smart card) communicate to support the step of creating anestablished relationship between the media device and the user paymentaccount (step 478).

From the perspective of the smart card or media device, this stepincludes transmitting a media device ID in relation to the user paymentaccount information to support creating the established relationshipbetween the media device and the user payment account. From theperspective of the network server, this step includes receiving themedia device ID in relation to the user payment account information andstoring and transmitting such information to other servers in thefinancial network to facilitate processing in which the media device IDfor a purchase selection message may be compared to the user paymentaccount information as a part of approving and settling a purchasetransaction.

The method further includes the financial institution servertransmitting and the smart card and media device receiving full track 2data equivalent of a magnetic strip of a payment card or a full set ofpersonalization data for a contactless card (step 482) and the smartcard securely storing the received track 2 data equivalent (step 486).Accordingly, when the user makes a purchase selection, a purchaseselection message may include the user payment account information(including the track 2 data equivalent). With the above method, a systemmay be updated to reflect a new account or piece of hardware.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid ofmethod steps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the performance of certainsignificant functions. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description.Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significantfunctions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocksmay also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certainsignificant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram blockboundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and stillperform the certain significant functionality. Such alternatedefinitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocksand sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimedinvention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that thefunctional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules andcomponents herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discretecomponents, application specific integrated circuits, processorsexecuting appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As mayeven further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that anitem includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may furtherinclude inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may stillfurther be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes directand/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “comparesfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items,signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when thedesired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude thansignal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude ofsignal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude ofsignal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

1. A payment card company server, comprising: memory; and a processingmodule coupled to the memory, wherein the processing module is operableto: receive a payment account application originated by a user for apayment account for making purchases from a media device; process thepayment account application to produce a processed application;transmit, when the payment account application is approved, a new useraccount indication to a media server service provider; receive a deviceidentification number of a media device that is assigned to the user;and provide the device identification number and payment accountinformation to a financial network processing device to support anestablished association between the payment account and the mediadevice.
 2. The payment card company server of claim 1, wherein theprocessing module is further operable to process the payment accountapplication by: providing the processed application to a financialinstitution server; and receiving an approved indication from thefinancial institution server.
 3. The payment card company server ofclaim 1, wherein the processing module is further operable to determinean encryption key for encryption a portion of data that is to betransmitted by the media device as a part of a purchase selectionindication.
 4. The payment card company server of claim 1, wherein theprocessing module is further operable to: provide the deviceidentification number and the payment account information to a smartcard personalization server such that a smart card produced by the smartcard personalization server is based, at least in part, on the deviceidentification number and the payment account information.
 5. Thepayment card company server of claim 1 further comprises the processingmodule coupled to: transmit the device identifying number and at least aportion of the payment account information to a transactionauthorization network device to support authorization of transactionsbased in part upon the device identifying number.
 6. The payment cardcompany server of claim 1 further comprises the processing modulecoupled to: transmit the device identifying number and at least aportion of the payment account information to a settlement processingnetwork device to support settlement of transactions based, at least inpart, upon the device identifying number.
 7. The payment card companyserver of claim 1, wherein the receiving the device identificationnumber comprises: communicating with the media device or a smart cardinstalled in the media device to receive the device identifying number.8. A method by a device, comprising: receiving an application for apayment account for making purchases through a media device; processingthe application; transmitting, when the application has been approved,an approved application indication to at least one of a first remoteserver to initiate a payment card generation process and to a secondremote server to initiate an order for the media device; obtaining anidentifying number of the media device; and creating an establishedassociation between the payment account and the media device based onthe identifying number.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the processingthe application further including: providing the application to afinancial institution server; and subsequently receiving an approvedindication from the financial institution server wherein the approvedapplication indication transmitted to the first or second remote serveris based on the received approved indication from the financialinstitution server.
 10. The method of claim 8 further including:transmitting the identifying number of the media device and paymentaccount information of the payment account to at least one of: atransaction authorization network device to support authorization oftransactions based in part upon the identifying number of the mediadevice; and a settlement processing network server to support settlementof transactions based in part upon the identifying number of the mediadevice.
 11. The method of claim 8 further including: transmitting theapproved application indication and payment account information of thepayment account to a smart card personalization server.
 12. The methodof claim 8 further including: transmitting the identifying number of themedia device to the smart card personalization server.
 13. The method ofclaim 8 further including: transmitting a new user account indicationregarding the payment account to a media server of a media serverservice provider.
 14. The method of claim 8 wherein the identifyingnumber comprises an unalterable hardware identifying number.
 15. Themethod of claim 8 further including: communicating with one of the mediadevice and a smart card installed in the media device to receive theidentifying number.
 16. A method by a device, comprising: receiving amedia device identifying number for a media device from which purchasesare to be made in response to received media; supporting an establishedassociation between the media device and a payment account based on themedia device identifying number; and transmitting the media deviceidentifying number and payment account information of the paymentaccount to at least one device operable to support at least one of apayment authorization and a payment settlement approval determinationbased at least in part on the media device identifying number and thepayment account information for a pending transaction.
 17. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the device comprises a media device server system. 18.The method of claim 16 wherein the device comprises a payment cardcompany server and where the method further comprises: providing thepayment account information to a smart card personalization serviceserver to facilitate creation of a smart card with the payment accountinformation.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprises: providing themedia device identifying number and at least a portion of the paymentaccount information to the smart card personalization service serversuch that creation of the smart card is based upon or includes the mediadevice identifying number.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the stepof receiving the media device identifying number comprises: receivingthe media device identifying number via one of: a communication with themedia device; and a communication with the smart card installed in themedia device.
 21. A method for creating an established relationshipbetween a user payment account and a media device, comprising: securelytransmitting user account information for an established user account ina secure communication link between a network server and the mediadevice; transmitting a media device ID in relation to the user accountinformation to a network server to create an established relationshipbetween the media device and the user payment account; and receiving andsecurely storing track 2 equivalent data.
 22. A method for creating anestablished relationship between a user payment account and a mediadevice, comprising: receiving user account information for anestablished user account in a secure communication link between anetwork server and the media device; receiving a media device ID inrelation to the user account information and creating an establishedrelationship between the media device and the user payment account; andsecurely transmitting track 2 equivalent data to one of the media deviceand the smart card.